Crazy for Coupons!

I've found a new obsession: Couponing!

 Now please don't look at me like that, I had preconceived notions of couponer's before I started also, but once I got my first good deal I just can't stop. Hubby is all for it too!

I got all of the stuff in the picture posted below for just $4.50!

Once I get on my other computer I will post a list of websites that I use to tell me when deals are occurring at all of my local stores. 

xoxo michelle

Sharing my Story

Today (as I sit here doing my third treatment of the day) I have been looking for CF and TTC related blogs to get some motivation to learn and compare experiences thus far. While searching Google I came across my own blog. It's a strange feeling of pride finding my own blog on Google. 

Yes, I know that Google searches key words in web sites and lists them as the search result, so I should have figured my blog would show up. But it's just a nice feeling that other people who are going through what I am right now can type a few words into the Google search engine and bring up my blog.

I am proud that I can share my stroy thus far. No matter where this journey TTC with CF takes me, it's nice to know that other people can learn and share in my experiences just as I have learned from so many other TTC/CF related blogs.

Moss Easter Bunny Wreath

St. Patty's day is almost here and I have been looking all over for ideas for a nice Easter wreath. This wreath is inspired by the Easter Bunny Wreath over at The Privileged Door Etsy shop. 

I found all of my materials (besides the cardboard) over several trips to Hobby Lobby. The total cost of the wreath was around $6 or $7 with coupons. 

I had large pieces of cardboard that I had been saving from when I received our 20x30 large canvas picture from our wedding in the mail. The first step is to sketch the shape that you want onto the canvas. Don't worry if you mess up, it's all going to be covered with moss eventually so you want see any drawing marks. 

 Cut the shape out. I could not find any of my scissors around anywhere so I began cutting out the design with a serrated knife but after catching my finger with the knife I figured it'd be safer if I went and bought a new pair of scissors. Scissors are preferable!

I found this Moss at Hobby Lobby for $3.99 a bag(I used 2 1/2 bags all together). If you can find a big, long sheet of moss for cheap anywhere use that. Hobby Lobby had some for $20, so I just figured that these small pieces of sheet moss would be good enough and I would just piece them together. 

I just started piecing the moss on my cardboard.

I used Hot Glue as my adhesive for the moss but I am sure that Mod Podge or regular glue would work as well if you don't have any hot glue on hand. Be careful when you press the moss onto the cardboard since the glue is still very hot and can seep through the moss. This is one of the reasons I HATE working with hot glue, I usually end up burning my fingertips.

Your pieces can overlap the edges of your shape, we will just trim them down. 

Once I got all of my moss on I broke out my frilly ribbon that I found at Hobby Lobby for $3.99 and it was on sale for an additional 50% off too! SCORE! 

I cut a long strip of ribbon and tied it in a bow around the bunny's neck. I then took another long piece and hot glued both of the ends onto the back of my shape so that it has something to hang from 

Finished Bunny Moss Wreath. I realize that it hangs a bit low on my door, I still have to move my Command Hook to the right placement. 

Now keep in mind, it is still boring/ugly cardboard on the back. Once I get some popsicle sticks to glue on the back of the ears and the neck to stabilize/make the cardboard stronger(it was very 'bendable' in some places) I am either going to Mod Podge some green paper on the back or just simply paint it green. If you have a plain door, with no glass on it, there is no need for this extra step since you won't see the back of the wreath at all. 

Hope you like it and I really hope that this tutorial was easy to follow. If you have any questions please leave a comment.

 

Quick TTC Update

Just a quick TTC update.

I have no idea what is going on with this cycle. I'm not sure if I ovulated or not. The day I was supposed to ovulate was the day of the HORRIBLE doctors appointment so I am just hoping that I was stressed out and that it just delayed Ovulation.

I am so scared that this cycle, or any future cycle will be annovulatory. Not only do I want every possible opportunity that I can get, but I am so afraid of another obstacle to have to overcome. I WANT TO OVULATE ON MY OWN SO BAD. I don't want another reason to be 'broken'.

I did get my hemoglobin a1c results back from the doctor and the numbers are elevated a bit, 6.6. I really did not want to follow up with that doctor so I called my regular CF doc. The nurse (who I love, she is so nice) told me that I should get a meter (which luckily my mom has tons of laying around her house) and check my blood sugars a few times a day. Hopefully I will not have to end up taking insulin, but if it at all helps the chances of us getting PG, I will welcome it with open arms.

 

Sprinkle Shower Inspiration

My SIL is pregnant with her second child and is due this summer. A few weeks ago was her Gender Reveal Party and since she is having a boy this time (her first was a girl), she is going to need a few more things. I decided that I would open up my home and throw her a 'Sprinkle Shower'. 

The main purpose for a Sprinkle Shower is for a get together to celebrate her pregnancy. Rather it be a 'Shower', it's just a little 'Sprinkle'. 

I am so excited about it and just thought that I would post inspiration from my Pinterest board. 

http://pinterest.com/chelles07/sprinkle-shower/

I also plan to do flowers in vases like these: 

 I think that these are adorable too, and would be so easy to make. I love the striped straws as well.

Luckily, I have already found a place that sells sprinkles in bulk for pretty cheap. I can't wait. I love planning

 parties and this one is so fun from the food, to the decorations to even some of the games I have planned. If you wish to see the rest of my board, I posted the link up top.

Sad and Confused

Yesterday was my doctors appointment with the specialist. I really wish I never would have gone. The whole appointment was focused on my CF rather than my fertility(which was the reason I went in the first place). The doctor was all 'doom and gloom'. He said that since someone with CF's life expectancy is only 37 I better really start thinking about IUI ( I guess assuming since I am going to kick the can soon). By the way, I am only 24.

He also said that I really have to think about whether or not I am ready to make my husband a widower (???). He was so negative about everything. He ordered tests to check for pulmonary hypertension since that is another thing that someone with CF can get and can lead to death after pregnancy.

I just feel like he doesn't know me at all, he doesn't know my previous health history aside from OB/GYN appoinments. He has no idea the level of CF I have and that I am able to lead an active and productive life. He assumed that since I have CF that I was automatically on disability. NO SIR, I AM NOT DISABLED. YES, I HAVE A LUNG DISEASE BUT I MORE THAN LIKELY LEAD A MORE ACTIVE LIFESTYLE THAN YOU.

When I got home, Pete asked me how everything went. I ended up bawling because I didn't know what to make of all of it.

I hate the preconceived notions that people have about CF. But him being a doctor, I have to say, I really was not expecting that. My own CF doctor didn't bat an eye when I told him DH and I were planing to TTC. He just warned me that I will have to be more closely monitored and I will more than likely have to undergo a c-section.

DH and I are still planning to TTC. I have an appointment in May with my CF doctor and I am going to ask him to refer me to an OB/GYN that is in network that some of his other patients see.

I am at a better place this morning. I know now after speaking with my loved ones that I should not let some doctor who doesn't know me at all, put an expiration date on my life and scare me away from living it to the fullest(having children).

xoxo michelle